Time operated switch mechanism



Nov. 2, 1937. KUREK 2,097,984

TIME OPERATED SWITCH MECHANISM Filed Aug. 5, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov. 2, 1937. M. KUREK TIME OPERATED SWITCH MECHANISM Filed Aug. 5, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheei 2 Nov. 2, 1937. M, KUREK 2,097,984

TIME OPERATED SWITCH MECHANISM Filed Aug. 5, 1936 4 SheetsSheet 3 I M l- Nov. 2, 1937. KUREK 2,097,984

TIME OPERATED SWITCH MECHANISM Fi-led Aizg. 5, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 HQ 3 ML'C/za 21 Kare l6 Patented Nov. 2, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application August 5,

28 Claims.

This invention in its preferable embodiment relates to improvements in time operated switch mechanism and the object of my invention is to provide a mechanism which can be operated from any kind of a clock, whether spring operated or electrical, by direct connection or bevel gear drive, or worm gear drive, or chain gear drive,"

and of such construction that the electric switch can be set for a certain time and then, through the operation of the clock movement, an electric circuit is completed, thus allowing any number of hours to elapse between the time the mechanism is set and the time it is desired that it shall perform its function. In the preferred embodiment of my invention, the mechanism consists of a switch operated through the time movement of a clockwhether directly connected or connected at a distance from the clock-and the mechanism is so constructed and arranged that when it is set to operate at a certain time the clock gear will cause the mechanism to rotate and when the time is reached when it is desired that the mechanism shall close the electric switch, the parts are moved so as to be thrown out of gear with the clock movement and at the same time complete the electric circuit. This invention may be used for many purposes such, for example, as for operating radios, electric stoves, fans, motors, signs, lighting,refrigerators, explosives and safes. It is also an object of my invention to make it possible to have a dual arrangement of parts whereby one electric switch may be set to operate at a certain time in order to close the circuit and then at a later period the second switch will operate to throw off the switch, thus allowing the mechanism to operate any number of hours between the operation of the two switch mechanisms. While, as above stated, the invention maybe used for a multitude of different purposes, I have shown it only in connection with a radio-and a neon light sign. Having the aforesaid in view, my invention consists in its preferable embodiment in the construction as shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part hereof and as will then be pointed out in the claims.

In the aforesaid drawings:

Fig. l is a perspective view of the simple clock operated electric switch made in accordance with one form of my invention.

Figs. 2 and 3 are longitudinal sections of the same showing the parts in difierent positions.

Fig. 4 is a perspective detail of the spring operated plunger, detached.

1936, Serial N0. 94,473

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a radio with a clock and my switch for governing the same.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal vertical section of the switch mechanism.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a radio showing apair of switches. Fig. 8 is a fragmentary plan view of the construction shown in Fig. '7 showing the two switches.

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic view showing my invention operating a neon light sign.

Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the form of switch shown at the lower part of Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the gearing used in Fig. 5.

Fig. 12 is a similar view of the gearing used in Figs. 7 and 8.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the various elements separated in order that their construction may be better shown.

Fig. 14 is an inverted perspective, view of the spring holding detent.

Referring now to the details of the drawings by numerals, and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 4, ii, 13 and 14: i represents a plunger longitudinally movable in-a sleeve 2 which may be secured in a wall opening 3 by any desired means such, for example, as the face plate 4. The front end of the sleeve 2 is screwthreaded to receive a finger piece 6 having a pointer 8, the ,30 sleeve and the finger piece 6 with its pointer 8 being rotatable on the longitudinally movable plunger 8. The rear end of the plunger i is supported by a frame In which may be of any desirable material although I prefer to make it or" some insulated material such as Bakelite. This frame has two contact points l3 and i l (see Fig. 13) which are so positioned as to make contact with a contact member 56 pivoted to the frame 50 at l8, a spring 20 being employed to normally hold the contact member 86 against the contact points l3 and i4. Directly in front of the frame H3 is journaled a gear 22 which is adapted to be rotated by a gear 24. This gear 2 3, as shown in Figs. 1, 11 and 12, is the spring operated gear of a clock train and is merely shown for the purpose of illustration, Any other form ofgearing to connect with any kind of a cloclr, spring operated or electrical, may be employed. 6n the face of the aforesaid gear 22 are formed teeth 28 providing one member of a clutch. The other member of the clutch is designated 30 and is preferably of the construction shown in Fig. 4. The longitudinally movable plunger l is provided with a collar 32 and a spring 34 is located to the position shown in Fig.

between said collar and the clutch member till, this spring normally holding the parts in the position shown in Fig. 2. When in this position the spring 2t which holds the contact members in engagement also causes the frame carrying the contact members to abut against the pointed end of the longitudinal plunger Ii and thereby separates the two clutch memberstt and 3h so that when said clutch members are separated, the member 38 is not rotated by the continuous operation of the clutch member 26, under the influence of the clock movement. The longitudinally movable plunger l is provided with a pin lu movable in a slot 52 in the aforesaid-sleeve 2, thereby permitting the plunger to be moved from the position shown in Fig. 2 to that shown in Fig. 3, the plunger i also having a slot 33 for the passage of the clutch member til. The aforesaid sleeve 2 is provided with a spring detent 5d shown best in Figs. 13 and 14. This spring detent extends longitudinally over the slot it? as illustrated in Fig. 2, the construction being such that when the operator presses his finger upon the end of the plunger 0, the plunger is -moved from the position shown in Fig. 2 to that shown in Fig. 3, the collar 32 compressing the spring 36, the pin it moving in its slot d2 until it lifts the spring detent and passes from under it so that the spring detent will occupy the position shown in Fig. 3 to hold the plunger locked in that position. As the result of the movement of the plunger i, the contact member it is forced outward or away from the contacts i3 and Ml thus breaking the electric circ t, and at the same time permitting the clutch member Elli to engage the clutch member 23. Since the clutch member 28 is in constant rotation under the influence of the clock movement, it follows, now that the clutch members 2t and 3d are in. engagement, that the clutch member 3d must necessarily ro tate with the clutch member 23% and thereby rotate the plunger 5, its collar 32, and the pin iii. As the plunger i rotates within the sleeve 22 its pin lil also rotates and in so doing moves away from the detent 5t and rides against the end of sleeve 2 as it rotates until it moves into contact with one of the ends of the spring detent lit when it will ride under the end of the same, thereby lifting the detent so as to permit the pin till to be in line to again enter the slot 62; 'lihis movement will take place just as soon as the plunger [l rotates until its pin ill is directly opposite the entrance to the slot Q2, whereupon the spring 3% operating against the collar will force the plunger from the position shown. in Fig. 3 back 2. During this movement of course the rear end of the plunger again assumes the position shown in Fig. 2 and the spring 20 is permitted to force the movable contact it against the contacts it and it. At the same time the member lid is moved away from its co-operating clutch member 29, thereby breaking the connection between the clutch members so that the continued rotation of the clutch member 22 no longer rotates the clutch member til and consequently the rotation of the plunger ll ceases.

The clock operated switch mechanism shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 may be used in hundreds of difierent situations such as for operating radios, electric stoves, fans, signs, refrigerators, explosives, etc. In Fig. 5 my invention is shown for the purpose of operating a radio and in Fig. 9 for the purpose of turning on a neon sign.

When, for example. it is desired to have the radio the plunger 1! inward aoovgese turned on at any particular time, the finger piece of Figs. 1, 2 and 3 is rotated until the pointer 8 registers in synchronism with the time shown by the clock movement; then the operator shoves from the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to the position shown in Fig. 3. This, as before explained, causes the clutch members 2i and 3b to engage each other so that the clock movement now causes the rotation of the plunger i and its connected parts. However the finger piece 6 must now be rotated until its pointer is opposite the time when it is desired the radio shall be turned on. Under the influence of the clock movement, the parts are rotated until the time indicated by the dial, when the pin. (it has reached the point where it will lift the spring detent fill and finally enter its slot d2, permitting the parts to move from the position shown in Fig. 3 where the circuit is broken to the position shown in Fig. 2 when the circuit is completed and the radio turned on. When it is desired to shut oil the radio all that it is necessary to do is to shove the plunger 1! shown in Fig. 2 to the position shown in Fig. 3, thus causing the pointed end of the plunger to shove against the contact it and move it away from the contacts 03, M to break the circuit and shut off the radio. hisinward movement of the plunger l causes position shown in Fig. 3 where it is just beyond the spring detent so that the latter locks the parts with the switch broken. Simultaneously the clutch members 28 and 3B are moved into engagement so that the clock movement causes the parts to rotate, and in twelve hours the pin me will again ride under the detent 5b to enter the slot it. Should it be desired to turn on the radioduring the twelve hours, the operator may turn the finger piece 5 first in one direction sufficiently for the pin Ml on the plunger l to ride free of the spring latch 5d and then in the opposite direction to ride under said latch until it comes opposite its slot 62 when the plunger will be caused to move, under the influence of the spring 36, to permit the parts to move back to the position shown in Fig. 2, thereby completing the circuit and turning on the radio.

My invention is also readily adaptable for use where it is desired to turn on any device such, for example, as a radio, a neon light sign or any other device, at a certain hour and permit it to operate for a certain length of time and then, without any attention by the operator, have the switch set so that it automatically functions to break the circuit and stop the operation of the radio or other device. As one form, but not necessarily the only embodiment, of a device for accomplishing this, I will now describe the mechanism shown in Figs. '7, 8, 9 and 12 where there is a dual switch mechanism the construction of which is as follows:

From Figs. 7 and 9 it will be observed. that there are two switch dials one on each side of the clock movement. For convenience I will describe these as No. l and No. 2. The switch mechanism connected with dial No. 2 may be exactly like that shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 or it may be like that shown in Figs. 8 and 10 where a casing til is employed, this casing having the clutch member til formed integral therewith to F co-act with its complemental clutch member Ell fixed to its gear 22 but in this case the gear 22 is operated by a sprocket chain 62 shown best in Fig. 12 as receiving its movement from a sprocket wheel t l connected to the main shaft it inward from the positionits pin ii! to move to the of the time movement. This sprocket chain 62 also passes around a sprocket wheel 68 of the setting mechanism member connected with the dial No. 1. This setting mechanism is substantially the same as the mechanism described in the other figures except that the switch at the rear end of the plunger is arranged so that the circuit is completed when the operator presses upon the finger piece 6 to move its plunger inward instead of breaking the circuit as in mechanism No. 2. In other words, the contact member I6 is on the inside of the contacts l3 and H so that the spring 20 normally tends to break the circuit when not shoved outward by the plunger I. Otherwise this mechanism No. -1 may be the counterpart of No. 2. The operation of this dual arrangement is as follows:

When it is desired to operate, for example, a neon light sign so as to set the mechanism for the sign to be illuminated at,-say, '7 oclock in Y the evening, and be turned off;say, at midnight,

the operator moves the finger piece of switch N0. 2 so that its pointer will point at the same hour then indicated by the time clock; then the operator shoves in the plunger to complete the clutch; then he sets the dial at the releasing time, say '7 oclock. This means that switch No. 2 is open and the circuit broken. Then the operator will move the finger piece of dial No. 1 until its pointer agrees with the time shown by the clock; then he shoves in the plunger and rotates the finger piece until the pointer 8 is at the time, say midnight, when it is desired that the light shall be turned off. The operator may now leave the device, being assured that at 7 oclock the switch of No. 2 will be complete to turn on the light and that at midnight the switch of No. 1 will be broken to turn off the light. What happens at 7 oclock is that through the influence of the clock movement the clutch being in engagement with the clock movement, the casing 60 of movement No. 2 has been slowly rotated until the pin on the plunger has lifted its spring latch and is opposite its slot so as to permit the spring to force the plunger outward completing the electric circuit and thus the sign will be illuminated, the circuit on No. 1 having been previously com pleted by the operator shoving in its plunger. The parts now remain in these positions until under the influence of the clock movement, the plunger on mechanism No. 1 is rotated until its pin lifts its spring latch and is opposite its slot when its spring will cause the plunger to move so as to permit the spring Ml in Fig. 12 to cause the contact member l6 to move away from the contacts 13* and M and break the circuit, whereby the illumination of the sign ceases.

Should the operator desire to manually operate the device so as to turn off the light, or other device, before the hour of midnight arrives, all that he needs to do is to turn the finger piece of switch mechanism No. 1 until the spring on the plunger moves under the spring latch and is opposite its slot when the plungerwill be forced outward to abreak the electric circuit.

In addition to operating as above described, the

dual mechanism shown in Figs. '7, 8 and 12 may be operated in such a manner that mechanism No. 1 may be used as a single switch to turn on and oiT any device with which it is connected. Thus, when device N0. 2 is in the position shown in Figs. 7 and 8 so that it is disconnected from the clock movement with its switch closed, then if the operator wishes to turn on any device with which my mechanism is connected all that he has to do is to press his finger upon the plunger of mechanism No. 1. This will close the switch of No. 1 and since the switch of No. 2 is already closed the circuit is completed. Likewise when he wishes to disconnect, all that he has to do is to turn the finger piece of mechanism No. 1 and its plunger is released, its switch opened and the circuit broken and the device turned off. Similarly if it is desired to turn on the lights of any mechanism at any particular time, without having the device set to automatically turn off the operated device, all that is necessary is to make sure that mechanism No. 2 is in the position shown in Fig. 7 and then the operator can move the finger piece of mechanism No. 1 until it registers with the clock mechanism, push its plunger and then set the device at the time it is desired to be released.

From the foregoing and accompanying drawings it will be seen that I have devised a time controlled mechanism capable of many and varied uses. It is obvious that changes and modifications may be made in the form and construction of the parts and that'I have illustrated my invention in what I now consider its preferable embodiments. And-while, as stated, I prefer to use any kind of a clock movement whether spring, electrical or otherwise, it will be manifest that my in vention may be used in co-operation with a rotating member operated from any source of power. Reference should therefore be made to the claims to determine the scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. In combination with a rotating member, a. setting mechanism operated from said rotating member comprising a clutch having two axially disposed members movable to and from each other, one member of said clutch being always in co-operative relation with said rotating member, and an electric switch and means for operating said clutch to break the switch.

2. In combination with a rotating member, a setting mechanism operated from said rotating member comprising a clutch having two axially disposed members movable to and from each other, one member of said clutch being always in co-operative relation with said rotating member, an electric switch, and a plunger co-operating with said clutch and switch to connect the plunger with said rotating member and to break the. switch upon the movement of said plunger.

3. In combination with a rotating member, a longitudinally movable plunger, a clutch between said plunger and the rotating member having two axially disposed members movable to and from each other, one member of saidclutch being always in co-operative relation with said rotating member, a switch, said clutch and said switch being operated by the longitudinal movement of said plunger, and means for moving said plunger.

4. In combination with a rotating member, a setting mechanism operated from said rotating member comprising a clutch having two axially disposed members movable to and from each other, one member of said clutch being always in co-operative relation with said rotating member, an electric switch, and a plunger operatively connected with one of the members of said clutch and with said switch, and means for holding the clutch members in engagement with the switch broken.

5. In combination with a rotating member, a longitudinally movable plunger, a clutch between said plunger and the rotating member having two axially disposed members movable to and from each other, one member of said clutch being always in eo-operative relation with said rotating member, and a switch operated by the longitudinal movement of said plunger.

6. In combination with a rotating member, a

rotatable member also movable longitudinally, a clutch between said rotating member and said rotatable member having two axially disposed members movable to and from each other, one member of said clutch being always in co-operative relation with said rotating member, said clutch being in engagement when said member is moved in one direction and out of engagement when moved in the opposite direction.

'7. In combination witha rotating member, a rotatable member also movable longitudinally, a clutch between said rotating member and said rotatable member having two axially disposed members movable to and from each other, one member of said clutch being always in co-operative relain engagement when said member is moved in one direction and out of engagement when moved in the opposite direction, and means for holding said member at one position to maintain the clutch in engagement and for releasing said member for movement in the opposite direction.

8. In combination with a rotating member, an

- electric switch, a rotatable member co-acting with said switch and also movable longitudinally, a

clutch between said rotating member and said v rotatable member having two axially disposed members movable to and from each other, one member of said clutchbeing always in co-operative relation with said rotating member, said clutch being in engagement when said member is moved in one direction'and, out of engagement when moved in the opposite direction, and means for holding said member at one position to maintain the clutch in engagement and the switch broken and for releasing said member for movement in the opposite direction.

9. In a device of the character described, a longitudinally movable plunger, a rotatable member co-operating with said plunger and permitting longitudinal. movement of the plunger with respect thereto, a projection on said plunger constructed and arranged to move with relation to said rotatable member, and means for holding said projection in one of its positions.

10. In a device of the character described, a longitudinally movable tacts controlled by the movement of said plunger,

a rotatable member co-operating with said plunger and permitting longitudinal movement 5 of the plunger with respect thereto, a projection on said plunger constructed and arranged to move with relation to said rotatable member, and means for holding said projection in one of its positions.

ii. In a device of the character described, a

longitudinally movable plunger, electric contacts controlled by the movement of said plunger, a rotatable member co-operating with said plunger and permitting longitudinal movement of the plunger with respect thereto and having a slot or recess therein, a projection on said plunger constructed and arranged to move into and out of said slot or recess, and means for holding said projection in one of its positions.

l2. In a device of the character described, a longitudinally movable plunger, electric contacts controlled by themovement of said plunger, a rotatable member co-operating with said plung= 5 er and having a slot or recess therein, a pro= tion with said rotating member, said clutch being plunger, electric con acce ed constructed and arranged ofsaid slot or recess, and

jection on said plunger to move into and out means for holding said projection in one of its positions. 4

13. In combination with a rotating member, a longitudinally movable plunger, a clutch between said plunger and the rotating member, one member of said clutch being always in co-operative relationship with said rotating member, a switch, means for holding said plunger in one of its positions with the clutch engaged and the switch broken, and means operated from the rotating member for permitting the plunger to move in the opposite direction to break'the clutch and and to operate the switch.-

l l. In combination with a rotating member, a longitudinally movable plunger, a clutch between said plunger and the rotating member, one member of said clutch being always in co-operative relationship with said I rotating member, a switch, said clutch and said switch being op-. erated by the longitudinal movement of said plunger,-means for holding said plunger in one of it's positions, and a spring for forcing the plunger in the opposite direction when released.

15. In combination with a rotating member, a setting mechanism operated from said rotating member comprising a clutch, an electric switch,

a longitudinally movable plunger controlling said electric switch, a rotatable member co-operating with said plunger and having a slot or recess therein and permitting longitudinal movement of the plunger with respect thereto, a projection on said plunger constructed and arranged to move into and out of said slot or recess, and 7 tent co-operating with said projection to hold the plunger in one of its positions, said detent being rotatable with said rotatable member and arranged upon movement to release said projec- 17. In combination with a rotating member, a setting mechanism operated from said rotating member comprising a clutch, an electric switch, a longitudinally movabie plunger operatively connected with one of the members of said clutch, a rotatable member on said plunger having a slot or recess therein and permitting longitudinal movement of the plunger with respect thereto, a projection on the plunger constructed' and arranged to move into and out of said slot or recess, a spring for moving said plunger in one direction, and means for holding said projection in one of its positions.

Id. In combination with a rotating member, a setting mechanism operated from said rotating member comprising a clutch, an electric switch, and a longitudinally movable plunger operatively connected with one of the members of said clutch, a rotatable member on said plunger having a slot or recess therein, a projection on the plunger constructed and arranged to move into and out of said slot or recess, a spring for moving said plunger in one direction, and a spring latch for holding said projection in one of its positions.

19. In combination with a rotating member, a setting mechanism operated from said rotating member comprising a clutch, an electric switch, and a longitudinally movable plunger operatively connected with one of the members of said clutch, a rotatable member so said plunger having a slot or recess therein, a projection on the plunger constructed and arranged to move into and out of said slot or recess, a spring for moving said plunger in one direction, and a spring latch for holding said projection in one of its positions; said spring latch releasing said projection and its plunger upon rotation of the plunger.

20. A setting mechanism comprising a clock movement, a constantly operating gear controlled by said clock movement, electric contacts, a plunger to control said contacts, and clutch elements to operatively connect said constantly moving gear with said plunger, said clutch elements being located on or carried by said plunger and one of said elements being longitudinally movable with the plunger.

21. A settingmechanism comprising a clock movement, a constantly operating gear controlled by said clock movement, electric contacts, a rotatable plunger to control said contacts, clutch elements to operatively connect said constantly moving gear with said plunger, said clutch elements being located on or carried by said plunger and one of said elements being longitudinally movable with the plunger, and a device for holding the clutch elements in engagement when said longitudinally thovable plunger is moved into one of its positions, said holding means being released by the rotation of said plunger.

22. A setting "mechanism comprising a constantly operating gear, electric contacts, a rotatable plunger to control said contacts, a finger piece to rotate said plunger, clutch elements to operatively connect said constantly moving gear With said plunger, said clutch elements being located on or carried by said plunger and one of said elements being longitudinally movable with the plunger, and a device for holding the clutch elements in engagement whensaid plunger is moved into one or its positions, said holding de-- vice being released by the rotation of said plunger.

23. A setting mechanism comprising a clock movement, a constantly operating gear controlled by said clock movement, electric contacts, a longitudinally movable plunger to control said con-= tacts, a clutch to operatively connect said constantly moving gear with said plunger, the elements of said clutch being brought into engagement by the movement of said plunger in one direction and out of engagement when said plunger is moved in the opposite direction.

24. A setting mechanism comprising a constantly operating gear, electric contacts, a longi tudlnally movable plunger to control said contacts, a clutc to operatively connect said constantly moving gea" 'zlth said plunger, the ele ments of said clutch being brought into engage ment by the movement of said plunger in one direction out oi engagement when said.

plunger is moved in the opposite direction, a device for holding said clutch in engagement, and means for releasing said holding device and breaking the clutch upon the rotation of said plunger.

25. In combination with a clock movement, a. setting mechanism operated from said movement and comprising a gear constantly operated by saidmovement, electric contacts, a longitudinally movable plunger to control said contacts, a clutch to operatively connect said constantlymoving gear with said plunger, a device for holding the clutch elements in engagement when the longitudinally movable plunger is in one of its positions, and means for releasing said holding device and breaking the clutch upon the rotation of said plunger.

26. In combination With a clock movement, a setting mechanism operated from said movement and comprising a gear constantly operated by said movement, electric contacts, a rotatable finger piece, a longitudinally movable plunger rotatable by the movement of said finger piece and constructed and arranged to operate said electric contacts, clutch elements to operatively connect said constantly moving gear with said plunger, and a. device for holding the clutch elements in engagement when said longitudinally movable plunger is moved into one of its positions, said holding means being released by the rotation of said plunger.

27. In a device of the character described, the combination of a clock movement, two setting mechanisms each having a plunger and electrical contacts controlled by the movement of said plungers, a clutch to operatively connect one or" said plungers with said clock movement, one element of said clutch beingin constant co-operative relationship with said clock movement, and the elements of said clutch beingbrought into engagement by the movement of said plunger in one direction and out of engagement when said plunger is moved in the opposite direction, the second plunger being operatively connected with the first named plunger, a device for holding the clutch elements in engagement when its plunger is moved in one of its positions, and means for releasing said holding device and breaking the clutch.

28. In a device of the character described, the combination of a clock movement, two setting mechanisms each having a plunger and electrical contacts controlled by the movement of said plunger, a clutch to operatively connect one of said plungers with said clock movement, one element of said clutch being in constant co-operative relationship with said clock movement, and the elements of said clutch being brought into engagement by the movement of said plunger in one direction and out of engagement when said plunger is moved in the opposite direction, the second plunger being operatively connected with the first named plunger, a device for holding the clutch elements in engagement when its plunger is moved in one of its positions, means for releas ing said holding device and breaking the clutch, a device for holding the other plunger in one of its positions, and means for releasing said holding device.

NECEUlEL IZUREI'. 

